DISAPPEARANCE OF 17 YEAR OLD MARBLETON YOUTH - 1921

The mystery of the disappearance of Harry Swanston of Marbleton was solved during the week when Deputy Sheriff Billy Conroy made a trip to Opal and found ample evidence that there had been no foul play, and that the boy had evidently decided to quit farm work and take a trip.

The investigations at Opal brought to light the fact that several acquaintances of Swanston had seen him board No. 18 unaccompanied, and they believe that the boy merely desired a vacation.

Fear of foul play was evidenced by the boy’s sister and brother last Tuesday when they notified the sheriff’s office of his disappearance.  Preliminary investigations were disheartening.  The agent at Opal failing to remember that he had sold a ticket to a boy of the description of Swanston.  The truck was found intact, as were several barrels of gasoline.  He was known to have had between $50 and $60 in cash on his person and it was believed that hoboes of a tough nature had disposed of him, probably by urging him to accompany them in their adventures.

Officers all along the line were notified to watch for him, bu no indefinite information was secured.  Deputy Sheriff Conroy made a trip to Opal.  That his action was unpremeditated is known as he had driven a truck to Kemmerer on July 22^nd, secured his gasoline and was going back to Marbleton by the way of Opal.

It is not believed that his stay from home will be of any long duration, merely a rest from the arduous duties of farm life.  The fear experienced by his relatives has abated, and all seems to have ended well.  Kemmerer Camera August 10, 1921

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